Comparison of success rate of three methods of nasogastric intubation

Insertion of a nasogastric tube (NGT) sometimes will be difficult in patients who are anesthetized or comatose. The tube entraps in the pyriform sinuses and, thus, coils inside the oral cavity. Several methods have been offered to increase the success rate of the procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the success rate of three methods of NGT insertion. In a prospective clinical trial study, 162 patients who needed NGT insertion were randomly divided into three groups: Contorl, D and M groups. In the control group, insertion of the tube was done with the head of the patient in the normal position. In D and M groups, NGT were conducted through the pharynx towards the esophagus by digital assistance and by Magills forceps, respectively. the success rates in the control, D and M groups were 70%, 94% and 81%, respectively. The differences between D group and the control and M groups were significant. NGT insertion by digital assistance is recommended as first choice fornasogastric intubation in anesthetized and comatose patients due to facility and low cost.